How do I read a BMI chart?
Locate your height and weight on the chart. The intersecting color indicates your BMI category.
BMI Chart – Body Mass Index Reference Chart
Our BMI Chart allows you to quickly determine your Body Mass Index category. Use this visual guide for adults, children, athletes, and seniors to see where your height and weight fall within the healthy range.
Calculate your BMI first using our {bmi-calculator} to see where you fall on this chart.
Adult BMI Chart
How to Read the Adult Chart
- Find your height on the vertical axis
- Find your weight on the horizontal axis
- The intersecting color indicates your BMI category
- Use the color-coded legend for reference
Color-Coded Categories
| Category | BMI Range | Color | Example | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 | lightblue | Male, 175 cm, 55 kg → BMI 18.0 → Underweight | Possible nutritional deficiency, lower energy levels |
| Normal weight | 18.5 – 24.9 | green | Female, 165 cm, 60 kg → BMI 22.0 → Normal | Low risk of weight-related health issues |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 | orange | Male, 180 cm, 85 kg → BMI 26.2 → Overweight | Moderate risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes |
| Obesity Class I (Moderate) | 30 – 34.9 | lightred | Female, 170 cm, 90 kg → BMI 31.1 → Obesity I | High risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes |
| Obesity Class II (Severe) | 35 – 39.9 | red | Male, 175 cm, 110 kg → BMI 36.0 → Obesity II | Very high risk for cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome |
| Obesity Class III (Very Severe / Morbid) | ≥ 40 | darkred | Female, 165 cm, 110 kg → BMI 40.4 → Obesity III | Extremely high risk for serious health complications |
Adult Chart Examples
- Male, 170 cm, 65 kg → Normal (green)
- Female, 160 cm, 50 kg → Normal (green)
- Male, 180 cm, 95 kg → Obese (red)
Children & Teen BMI Chart
Reading Percentiles
- BMI percentile varies by age and gender
- Locate age on the horizontal axis and BMI on the vertical axis
- Intersection shows percentile and category
Color-Coded Categories
| Category | Percentile Range | Example | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underweight | < 5th | Girl, 10 yrs, 30 kg, 140 cm | blue |
| Healthy | 5th–84th | Boy, 12 yrs, 40 kg, 150 cm | green |
| Overweight | 85th–94th | Girl, 11 yrs, 50 kg, 145 cm | orange |
| Obese | ≥ 95th | Boy, 13 yrs, 70 kg, 155 cm | red |
Athletes BMI Chart
Adjustments for Muscle Mass
- Athletes may have higher BMI due to muscle
- Use chart to identify normal vs high BMI while considering body composition
- Color-coded categories remain, but interpret with caution
Athlete Examples
- Male athlete, 180 cm, 85 kg → Overweight (orange) but normal body fat
- Female athlete, 165 cm, 65 kg → Normal (green)
Senior BMI Chart
Age-Specific Considerations
- Seniors may have slightly higher BMI thresholds for health
- Check intersecting height and weight to determine category
- Use color-coded legend for visual interpretation
Senior Examples
- Female, 70 yrs, 65 kg, 160 cm → Normal (green)
- Male, 75 yrs, 85 kg, 170 cm → Overweight (orange)
How to Use the BMI Chart Effectively
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Identify the chart type (adult, children, athlete, senior)
2. Find your height on the vertical axis
3. Find your weight on the horizontal axis
4. Locate the intersecting color for your BMI category
5. For children, use age-specific percentiles
6. For athletes or seniors, interpret with context
BMI Chart FAQ
Do BMI charts work for children?
Yes, but you must use age- and gender-specific percentiles to determine healthy ranges.
Can athletes rely on standard BMI charts?
Athletes may have higher BMI due to muscle. Use the athlete chart or interpret with body composition in mind.
Are BMI charts suitable for seniors?
Yes, but slightly higher BMI thresholds are considered healthy for older adults.
How often should I use the chart?
You can use it periodically to monitor your BMI trends and maintain a healthy range.
Medical References & Trusted Sources
- World Health Organization (WHO) - Global authority on obesity classification and health standards. Our BMI categories follow WHO guidelines established in 1993.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Leading U.S. public health agency providing evidence-based guidelines for weight assessment and health promotion.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Primary U.S. agency for biomedical research, providing comprehensive health information and clinical guidelines.
- Mayo Clinic - World-renowned medical institution providing patient-centered health information and evidence-based medical guidance.